June 11, 2005

Board reviewing clerical abuse works in anonymity

ALBUQUERQUE (NM)
Albuquerque Tribune

By Joline Gutierrez Krueger
Tribune Reporter
June 11, 2005

It's a board so secretive that few know what they do, what they've done or who they are.

Still, officials with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe say the work of the Permanent Review Board is crucial to safeguarding the church and parishioners from sex-offending priests.

"It is a professional group," said Celine Radigan, archdiocese spokeswoman. "They do study the allegations and take what they do very seriously."

But those outside the review board system must take that on faith, because no annual reports are generated and no comments on its decisions are provided.

Even the names of the members are cloistered.

"Board members have expressed that anonymity is more conducive to their fulfilling their duties and obligations as consultors and advisers to the archbishop," said Sister Nancy Kazik.

Posted by kshaw at June 11, 2005 12:38 PM